Toor Dal Khichdi with Turmeric and Ginger

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-31 · Updated 2026-05-31

A comforting Gujarati rice and lentil porridge flavored with turmeric and fresh ginger, perfect for a wholesome meal. This Indian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs toor dal (pigeon peas), basmati rice, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 1/2 cup basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 finely chopped green chili
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 3/4 cup toor dal and 1/2 cup basmati rice under cold water until clear, then drain.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp ghee over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and sauté until they sizzle and brown slightly, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp finely grated ginger and 1 finely chopped green chili, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the rinsed dal and rice to the pot along with 4 cups water, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp salt. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 30-35 minutes until the dal and rice are soft and the mixture is porridge-like, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.